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NLIS 6 September 11, 2003 (Forest Resources and Agrifoods) Agricultural policy framework
program information now Program information and proposal guidelines under the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF) Implementation Agreement for Newfoundland and Labrador have been finalized and are being distributed to farmers and other industry stakeholders. Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lyle Vanclief and Rick Woodford, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, made the announcement today. "This is an important day for the agriculture and agrifood industry in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Mr. Vanclief. "These programs are the product of a lot of hard work by governments and industry and demonstrate a strong commitment to making Canada the world leader in food safety and quality, environmentally sustainable production and agricultural innovation." "We are pleased that APF programs are now available to industry, allowing farmers and industry to review programming details and decide which programs best suit the needs of their agrifoods operations," Minister Woodford added. "I am confident industry will be pleased with the programs and services delivered under the APF, which reflect this province�s priorities, needs and challenges. Getting to where we are today is the result of hard work, cooperation, commitment and full consultation with all players in the industry." The ministers agreed the APF programs will allow the Newfoundland and Labrador agriculture industry to continue to diversify and strengthen its contribution to the provincial economy. They added the industry is now better positioned to build on its achievements to date and move forward. More than $32 million is expected to flow through new APF programs to the Newfoundland and Labrador agrifoods sector over the next five years. Minister Woodford pointed out that from the APF funding, $1.5 million has been allocated for the development of the agrifoods industry in Labrador. "We have considered the needs of the Labrador region for agricultural development for the next five years and have developed a Northern Agrifoods Initiative," said the minister. "This will assist with the further development and commercialization of a northern agrifoods industry." The APF is a long-term agreement that guides program spending and aims to make Canada�s industry the globally-recognized leader in five areas like food safety and food quality, environment, business risk management, science and innovation, and renewal. Program information and proposal guidelines are available from agriculture representatives throughout the province, as well as on the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods� website at //www.gov.nl.ca//www.gov.nl.ca/agric/apf/. Producer information sessions on the new APF programs will also be held over the next couple of weeks. Details on locations and times will be announced later. The Newfoundland and Labrador agriculture and agrifoods industry employs more than 4,000 people and is valued at more than $550 million to the provincial economy. Media contact:
2003 09 11 3:30 p.m. |
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